Niles North is proud to announce the celebration of Vocal Jazz’s 25th anniversary this Saturday, April 16, welcoming audiences and past Vocal Jazz alumni to witness fantastic musical performances from vocal jazz groups Take One, Harmonic Motion, and Sound Check. Performances will be held in the auditorium at Niles North High School at 7 p.m. as well as a free community performance at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 15. Tickets will be sold to the public for $10.

Vocal Jazz, directed by Daniel Gregerman, has flourished and grown since 1991. The program encompasses various musical styles, along with compositions of a cappella and accompanied pieces that focus on musical improvisations. Under the accompaniment of various directors, Vocal Jazz has produced talented, entertaining musical groups, Take One, Sound Check, and Harmonic Motion.

“This show being my last vocal jazz performance, it’s been an honor being surrounded by such talented, unique individuals not only on stage, but outside of vocal jazz as well. I’m definitely going to miss being a part of Vocal Jazz,” Jessica Calma, senior, said.

The choir program has gained much recognition over the years, as Take One headlined the Puerto Vallarta Jazz Festival in Mexico this past spring. Gregerman has also been rewarded to be the recipient of the John LaPorta Jazz Educator of the Year award, an award for outstanding educator with a focus on jazz education.

The evening’s performances will include Take One, under the direction of Daniel Gregerman, singing “I’ve Got The World on a String,” arranged by Paul Langford, “”Teach Me Tonight,” arranged by Kelly Kunz, and “Mister One-Take,” by Gary Fry. Harmonic Motion, directed by Kathryn Lachey, will perform “Long Ago and Far Away,” arranged by Paris Rutherford and “Rather Be,” arranged by Mark Brymer. Sound Check, under the direction of Logan Farris, will sing “Song for My Father,” arranged by Raymond Roberts and “In My Life,” arranged by Steve Zegree.

Special performances include a Beach Boys medley arranged by Justin de la Cruz and Geoffrey Schmelzer and featuring the men of Take One, “Rich Girl,” arranged by Joy Yelenosky and featuring the Take One women, “Stars That Fell on Alabama,” arranged by and featuring Justin de la Cruz and Anna Hill and “That Girl,” arranged and featuring Jacob Austria, Justin de la Cruz, Russell Reyes and Geoffrey Schmelzer.

The finale to the evening will bring together all vocal jazz performers, past and present, for a stirring rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” arranged by Kirby Shaw.

Come witness the last Vocal Jazz show of the school year and all the talent that Niles North’s music department has to offer this Saturday, April 16!